Print Syllabus

Syllabus

NA0192 Natural Resource and Environmental Economics, 7.5 Credits

Naturresurs- och miljöekonomi

Subjects

Economics

Education cycle

Bachelor’s level

Modules

Title	Credits	Code
Single module	7.5	0001

Advanced study in the main field

First cycle, has less than 60 credits in first-cycle course/s as entry requirements
Bachelor’s level (G1F)

Grading scale

Language

English

Prior knowledge

Knowledge equivalent to:

30 credits economics

English 6

Exemption granted from the general entry requirement of Swedish

Objectives

The aim of the course is to provide an understanding of basic theories and methods in environmental economics and natural resource economics. Students will learn to apply these methods to qualitative and quantitative problems in simplified cases, and also be able to analyse their potential contribution to solving real-world problems such as climate change and declining biodiversity.

After completing the course, the student should be able to

• explain how markets help to achieve an efficient allocation of resources in society, and why this allocation mechanism is imperfect when there are public goods or externalities,

• explain different methods for measuring the demand for public goods, and how these methods can be used to help us make decisions about environmental programs,

• assess the strengths and weaknesses of different environmental policy instruments in different situations,

• analyse quantitatively how alternative market-based instruments can be used to achieve - under ideal circumstances - cost-effective or socially optimal solutions, and how instruments can be adapted to deal with real-world complexity,

• discuss how to take account of risk and uncertainty in environmental policy,

• analyse global pollution problems and the difficulties of concluding binding and effective international agreements,

• explain and apply basic results regarding management of non-renewable natural resources, including the Hotelling rule,

• explain the key theoretical principles regarding optimal management of biological natural resources,

• analyse the role of environmental policy in helping to achieve sustainable development.

Content

*Subject content: *

The course consists of the following parts: basic welfare theory and externalities; environmental valuation and cost–benefit analysis; strengths and weaknesses of alternative environmental policy instruments; quantitative analysis of market-based instruments including use of the Lagrange method; risk and uncertainty; global pollutants and international agreements; non-renewable resources and Hotelling; biological resources, maximum sustainable yield, the tragedy of the commons, and optimal management; environmental policy and sustainable development.

*Course implementation: *

The course uses different teaching methods to promote students' learning and discussions through: 
Lectures, exercises, seminars and written assignments.

The course focuses on the following general competences: 
Problem solving, scientific methods, written communication.

The following components are compulsory: 
Compulsory seminars

Grading form

The grade requirements within the course grading system are set out in specific criteria. These criteria must be available by the course start at the latest.

Formats and requirements for examination

Passed written examination.
Approved project work.

• If a student has failed an examination, the examiner has the right to issue supplementary assignments. This applies if it is possible and there are grounds to do so.

• The examiner can provide an adapted assessment to students entitled to study support for students with disabilities following a decision by the university. Examiners may also issue an adapted examination or provide an alternative way for the students to take the exam.

• If this syllabus is withdrawn, SLU may introduce transitional provisions for examining students admitted based on this syllabus and who have not yet passed the course.

• For the assessment of an independent project (degree project), the examiner may also allow a student to add supplemental information after the deadline for submission. Read more in the Education Planning and Administration Handbook.

Other information

• The right to participate in teaching and/or supervision only applies for the course instance the student was admitted to and registered on.

• If there are special reasons, students are entitled to participate in components with compulsory attendance when the course is given again. Read more in the Education Planning and Administration Handbook.

Responsible department

Department of Economics